The Plek machine is a sophisticated CNC (computer numeric controlled) milling machine specifically designed for perfect fretboard relief, frets, nut slots, saddles, and saddle slot placement. Made in Germany, it cradles the guitar and uses a robotic finger to digitally scan the guitar under string pressure, creating line graphs for the wood and fret tops of each string. From there it can recrown the tops of frets to the optimum shape, or remill the board during a refret for correct neck relief. It can also cut nut slots into a blank, or recut a saddle slot in acoustic guitars for perfect intonation, making a guitar’s playability and clarity accurate to tolerances less than a human hair.

 

The Plek records the fret height in relation to the fretboard surface beneath each string at each fret to the accuracy of .0002”. Once the Plek has recorded all the measurements, it will then put its grinding wheel in place and grind the frets to proper heights, taking into account the gauge of the strings used, eliminating buzzing and improving overall playability. Once the Plekked guitar is back on the bench, we polish out each fret similar to top of the line Ernie Ball Music Man guitars, or Japanese made non-export Strats.

 

We also oil the fingerboard, tighten the tuners, and set the action and intonation with a Peterson strobe. All of this is inclusive of a Plek job.

 

If a new nut is required, the Plek also cuts the slots and allows each angle to be controlled to the string tree OR towards the tuners.  On a Gibson style 3×3 headstock, the angles of the string towards the tuners are split in half to allow the string to “go around the corner” at the nut, eliminating string binding at the nut.  We also age the nut (if needed) to match the patina of the instrument.

 

Used by Gibson, Martin, John Suhr, Lakland, G&L, Collings, Santa Cruz, Takemine, Heritage Guitars, Yamaha, about 24 other repair shops national wide, this CNC fret dressing system takes fret accuracy to the highest level.